U.S. patent application number 12/260291 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-04 for golfer's head movement monitor device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to ISO DRIVE COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Eugene M. Hoganson.
Application Number | 20090143160 12/260291 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40676314 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090143160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoganson; Eugene M. |
June 4, 2009 |
GOLFER'S HEAD MOVEMENT MONITOR DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
A system and method for determining an amount and direction of a
golfer's head movement as the golfer executes a golf swing. The
system may include at least two light baffles for monitoring the
golfer's head movement along a path generally parallel to a target
line. The baffles may reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the
golfer's head is either outside and to the left of a preset range,
or outside and to the right of the preset range. The system may
further include at least two additional light baffles for
monitoring lunging and bobbing head motion. The additional light
baffles may reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's
head lunges or bobs beyond a further preset range. The system
includes the additional advantage of repositionable elements to
facilitate progression of precise movement control.
Inventors: |
Hoganson; Eugene M.; (West
End, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC
FRANKLIN SQUARE, THIRD FLOOR WEST, 1300 I STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
ISO DRIVE COMPANY, INC.
Pinehurst
NC
|
Family ID: |
40676314 |
Appl. No.: |
12/260291 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11355967 |
Feb 17, 2006 |
7458901 |
|
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12260291 |
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60654459 |
Feb 22, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/267 ;
473/268; 473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3629 20200801;
A63B 69/3623 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 2071/0694
20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/267 ;
473/268; 473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. A system for determining an amount and direction of a golfer's
head movement as the golfer executes a golf swing, said system
comprising: at least two light baffles for monitoring the golfer's
head movement along a path generally parallel to a target line,
said baffles reflecting light into the golfer's eyes when the
golfer's head is either outside and to the left of a preset range,
or outside and to the right of the preset range and said baffles
selected from the group consisting of: baffles including a base for
repositionable attachment of said baffles to a baffle mounting
platform; baffles each including a base and a leg disposed
generally traverse to said base; or baffles moveable relative to
each other generally parallel to the target line.
2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising at least two
additional light baffles for monitoring lunging and bobbing head
motion, said additional light baffles reflecting light into the
golfer's eyes when the golfer's head lunges or bobs beyond a
further preset range, said additional light baffles disposed
generally transverse to said baffles for monitoring the golfer's
head movement along the path generally parallel to the target line,
wherein said additional baffles are movable generally orthogonal to
the target line for reflecting light into the golfer's eyes when
the golfer's head lunges or bobs beyond the further preset
range.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein each of said baffles
including a base for removable and slidable attachment of said
baffles to a baffle mounting platform includes a magnetic base for
removable and slidable attachment of said baffles to said baffle
mounting platform.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said baffle mounting
plate platform is rotatably mounted to at least two legs for
enabling rotation of said baffles generally about a mounting
platform tilt axis.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein each of said baffles
includes a colored tape attached thereon for reflecting light at a
predetermined color.
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the light is ambient
light.
7. A method for determining an amount and direction of a golfer's
head movement as the golfer executes a golf swing, said method
comprising: monitoring the golfer's head movement along a path
generally parallel to a target line by at least two light baffles
for reflecting light into the golfer's eyes, when the golfer's head
is either outside and to the left of a preset range, or outside and
to the right of the preset range, said baffles selected from the
group consisting of: baffles including a base for repositionable
attachment of said baffles to a baffle mounting platform; baffles
including a base and a leg disposed generally traverse to said
base; or baffles moveable relative to each other generally parallel
to the target line.
8. A method according to claim 7, further comprising monitoring
lunging and bobbing head motion by at least two additional light
baffles reflecting light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's
head lunges or bobs beyond a further preset range, said additional
light baffles disposed generally transverse to said baffles for
monitoring the golfer's head movement along the path generally
parallel to the target line, wherein said additional baffles are
movable generally orthogonal to the target line for reflecting
light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head lunges or bobs
beyond the further preset range.
9. A method according to claim 7, wherein each of said baffles
including a base for removable and slidable attachment of said
baffles to a baffle mounting platform includes a magnetic base for
removable and slidable attachment of said baffles to said baffle
mounting platform.
10. A method according to claim 7, further comprising rotatably
mounting said baffle mounting platform to at least two legs for
enabling rotation of said baffles generally about a mounting
platform tilt axis.
11. A method according to claim 7, wherein each of said baffles
includes a colored tape attached thereon for reflecting light at a
predetermined color.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the light is ambient
light.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/355,967, filed Feb. 17, 2006, hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/355,967 claims the benefit of priority of Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/654,459, filed Feb. 22, 2005, further
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to an improved
device used for assisting an individual with a golf swing, and more
particularly to a golfer's head movement monitor device to be used
when practicing a normal golf swing with enhanced features.
[0004] b. Description of Related Art
[0005] An important feature during the search for a good golf swing
is to establish the amount and direction of head movement that
occurs when a golf swing yields optimum direction and distance.
Excessive head movement is probably the most common error occurring
with non-expert golfers. This movement may be lateral movement of
the head in a direction that is generally parallel with the
intended line of flight of the golf ball. The movement may also be
from front to back relative to the golfer's body, or it may be in
an up and down direction. Since there are several possible types of
movement of the golfer's head, it is difficult to monitor.
[0006] Many different devices have been proposed in the prior art
for monitoring a golfers head movement. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
1,677,261 discloses a sheet of opaque material supported above a
golf ball and having a slot therein through which the golfer views
a golf ball while swinging. This device will indicate lateral
movement of the head, but it will not indicate front and back or up
and down movement.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,011 discloses a hollow tee through which
light shines. The golfer takes his stance and initially observes
the light beam. A ball is then placed on the tee and the golfer
swings to knock the ball off of the tee. After the swing is
completed, the golfer re-observes the light to check and see if he
has held his head still. This device provides information as to
head position only after the golf ball has been struck, and it may
be difficult to determine just what type of movement has taken
place.
[0008] Accordingly, it is a principal objective of the invention to
provide a device which will monitor head movement throughout a golf
swing and which will readily identify the type and amount of head
movement which is occurring. It is also an objective of the
invention to provide a golfer's head movement monitor device which
is simple to use, and which is economical to manufacture and
assemble.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] The present invention thus solves the problems and overcomes
the drawbacks and deficiencies of prior art golf swing assistance
devices by providing a system for determining an amount and
direction of a golfer's head movement as the golfer executes a golf
swing. The system may include at least two light baffles for
monitoring the golfer's head movement along a path generally
parallel to a target line. The baffles may reflect light into the
golfer's eyes when the golfer's head is either outside and to the
left of a preset range, or outside and to the right of the preset
range.
[0010] For the system described above, the system may further
include at least two additional light baffles for monitoring
lunging and bobbing head motion. The additional light baffles may
reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head lunges
or bobs beyond a further preset range. The additional light baffles
may be disposed generally transverse to the baffles for monitoring
the golfer's head movement along the path generally parallel to the
target line. Each of the baffles may include a base for removable
and slidable attachment of the baffles to a baffle mounting
platform, and in a particular configuration, each of the baffles
may include a magnetic base for removable and slidable attachment
of the baffles to the baffle mounting platform. The baffle mounting
plate may be rotatably mounted to at least two legs for enabling
rotation of the baffles generally about the mounting platform tilt
axis. Each of the baffles may include a base and a leg disposed
generally transverse to the base. Further, each of the baffles may
include a colored tape attached thereon for reflecting light at a
predetermined color. The baffles may be movable relative to each
other generally parallel to the target line for reflecting light
into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head is either outside and
to the left of the preset range, or outside and to the right of the
preset range. Yet further, the additional baffles may be movable
generally orthogonal to the target line for reflecting light into
the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head lunges or bobs beyond the
further preset range. In a particular embodiment of the present
invention, the light may be ambient light. In a particular
embodiment of the present invention, baffles are repositionable,
including the ability to rotate, slide, and reverse the baffles to
achieve more particular customized swing guidance.
[0011] The invention also provides a method for determining an
amount and direction of a golfer's head movement as the golfer
executes a golf swing. The method may include monitoring the
golfer's head movement along a path generally parallel to a target
line by at least two light baffles for reflecting light into the
golfer's eyes when the golfer's head is either outside and to the
left of a preset range, or outside and to the right of the preset
range.
[0012] The method may further include monitoring lunging and
bobbing head motion by at least two additional light baffles
reflecting light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head
lunges or bobs beyond a further preset range. The additional light
baffles may be disposed generally transverse to the baffles for
monitoring the golfer's head movement along the path generally
parallel to the target line.
[0013] For the method described above, each of the baffles may
include a base for removable and slidable attachment of the baffles
to a baffle mounting platform, and in a particular configuration,
each of the baffles may include a magnetic base for removable and
slidable attachment of the baffles to the baffle mounting platform.
The baffle mounting plate may be rotatably mounted to at least two
legs for enabling rotation of the baffles generally about the
mounting platform tilt axis. Each of the baffles may include a base
and a leg disposed generally transverse to the base. Further, each
of the baffles may include a colored tape attached thereon for
reflecting light at a predetermined color. The baffles may be
movable relative to each other generally parallel to the target
line for reflecting light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's
head is either outside and to the left of the preset range, or
outside and to the right of the preset range. Yet further, the
additional baffles may be movable generally orthogonal to the
target line for reflecting light into the golfer's eyes when the
golfer's head lunges or bobs beyond the further preset range. In a
particular embodiment of the present invention, the light may be
ambient light. In a particular embodiment of the present invention,
baffles are repositionable, including the ability to rotate, slide,
and reverse the baffles to achieve more particular customized swing
guidance.
[0014] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention and together with the detail
description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In
the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a view illustrative of a golfer in position for
executing a golf swing, with the no-sway system of the present
invention in position for monitoring the golfer's head
movement;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an enlarged isometric view of the no-sway system
of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3E respectively include front, top, left, right
side and an enlarged partial view of the no-sway system of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIGS. 4A-4D respectively include front, side, top and bottom
views of a baffel sub-assembly used with the no-sway system of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIGS. 4E and 4F respectively depict alternately positionable
configurations of baffle sub-assemblies used with the no-sway
system of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIGS. 5A-5D respectively include front, side, top and bottom
views of a baffle used with the no-sway system of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIGS. 6A-6C respectively include top, right side and front
views of a baffle mounting platform according to the present
invention, and FIG. 6D includes an enlarged view of a corner
section of the baffle mounting platform;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a cut sheet configuration for the baffle
mounting platform of FIG. 6A; and
[0024] FIGS. 8A-8B respectively include side and front views of a
leg used with the no-sway system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1-8B illustrate a system for determining the amount
and direction of a golfer's head movement as the golfer executes
the golf swing, the system being hereinafter referred to as no-sway
system 20.
[0026] Systems similar in principal to no-sway system 20 are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,330,191 and 5,409,232 and U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/355,967, commonly owned herewith and the
respective disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0027] For the present invention, it has been observed that the
majority of expert golfers, during the back swing, limit their head
movement that is generally parallel to the intended line of flight
of the ball (i.e. target line), to less than four inches from the
address position and in a direction away from the target. Expert
golfers let their head float and rotate about their spine while
keeping their head position in the middle of their shoulders. Zero
head movement during the back swing is to be avoided as this
promotes reverse pivot. Limited movement of the golfer's head
during the transition from back swing to forward swing, with a move
toward the target of the lower left side (hip to knee) allows the
hands to drop down without spoiling the torsion built up between
the shoulders and hips during the back swing (i.e. keep buttons on
front of shirt facing away from the target). This will provide the
benefit of urging the lower body to lead the arms and shoulders
during the forward swing. Additionally, at impact, a head position
that is at, or in back (further from the target) of the address
head position, enhances the power delivered to the ball; i.e., a
power robbing situation occurs when the golfers head position
drifts past the address head position (closer to the target) at
impact.
[0028] By taking the noted golf swing and head movement
considerations into account, referring to FIGS. 1-8B of the present
invention, the function of no-sway system 20 is to provide a golfer
22 with a means to determine the amount and direction his/her head
24 moves as the golfer executes the golf swing at 26 and with the
object to use this information to optimize ball travel distance and
accuracy. While there is no known formula for the perfect and exact
golfer head position during the golf swing as each golfer is unique
(size, strength, flexibility etc), with no-sway system 20, each
golfer can identify head positions that yield the best results.
[0029] Specifically, during the golf swing at 26, no-sway system 20
is designed to identify the golfer's head positions as they relate
to the golf ball 28 and the golfer's head position at address. How
far the golfer's head moves parallel to the intended line of flight
of golf ball 28 is measured with two adjustably positioned inclined
baffles 30, 32. For example, to monitor head position while
executing a full swing with a golf club or training club 34, the
golfer is to take his/her normal stance with respect to golf ball
28 with the golfer's feet positioned at locations 40. No-sway
system 20 may be placed on the ground as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 on
the far side of the golf ball (or imaginary golf ball) with the
mounting platform tilt axis 52 parallel to the target line and in a
position such that any head movement toward the target (i.e. flag
or hole) along target line 42 would signal the golfer that he/she
has done so. Additionally, if, while during the back swing the
golfer's head 24 moves away from the target and past the limit
preset into system 20, the golfer would be signaled that he/she has
done so. The preset limit may be set by moving baffles 30, 32
relative to each other along baffle mounting platform 44 and in a
direction parallel to mounting platform tilt axis 52.
[0030] No-sway system 20 works on the principle of either blocking
or admitting reflected ambient light to the golfer's eyes. Whether
the light is blocked or admitted depends on the golfer's head
position with respect to no-sway system 20. Reflected light
establishes that the golfer's head 24 is outside the preset range
and no reflected light establishes that the golfers head 24 is
within the preset range. Thus reflected light readily signals to a
golfer when his/her head moves beyond the preset limit set by
system 20.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, as briefly discussed above, system 20
may include two light baffles 30, 32 for monitoring head
movement/position along a path parallel to target line 42.
Reflected light establishes that the golfer's head is either
outside and to the left (toward the target) of the preset range (by
means of a red color; or another color a user may desire for use
with baffle 30), or outside and to the right (away from the target)
of the preset range (by means of a yellow color; or another color a
user may desire for use with baffle 32). The range may be
adjustable between 1/32 inch to 4 inches, with baffle mounting
platform 44 including markings 46 thereon for assisting a user with
adjustment of baffles 30, 32. Very low head movement is usually
desirable during putting. Greater ranges up to 4 inches may be
utilized to monitor head motion during full swings, pitching and
chipping swings.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, no sway system 20 further includes a
second set of adjustably positioned, inclined light baffles 36, 38
used to monitor lunging and bobbing head motion during all the golf
swings.
[0033] FIGS. 4E and 4F depict two embodiments of baffles 30, 32, 36
and 38 in which baffles 30, 32, 36 and 38 include the further
capability of placement such that baffles 30, 32, 36 and 38 are
tilted toward or away from one another to monitor smaller and more
precise head movements.
[0034] Briefly, lunging is head motion transverse to the intended
line of flight of the golf ball 28 and on a plane parallel to the
ground, and bobbing is head motion vertical to the ground (lifting
and dropping chin). As is known in golfing, lunging and bobbing
head movement during all golf swings are to be avoided as they
complicate the golf swing; i.e., the golfer must make extra swing
adjustments to optimize ball contact. Thus, to enhance balance,
rhythm and muscle memory during the golf swing, a golfer may
practice swinging within the head movement limits provided with
no-sway system 20.
[0035] Thus as briefly discussed above, baffles 36, 38 may be
designed in a similar manner as baffles 30, 32, but are positioned
generally orthogonal to target line 42 as shown in FIG. 2. Baffles
36, 38 may also include colors such as red or yellow (or other
colors; in a similar manner as baffles 30, 32) for signaling to a
user when his/her head motion exceeds an acceptable lunging and
bobbing head motion that exceeds the preset limit set by system 20
by adequate spacing of baffles 36, 38.
[0036] As mentioned above and shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, the space,
also referred to as set-up space, between baffles 30, 32, 36 and 38
may be further reduced to monitor smaller and more precise bob and
lurch head movement by repositioning baffles 30, 32, 36 and 38 such
that they tilt toward rather than away from one another.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the angle of baffles 30, 32, 36 and 38
may be adjusted by rotating baffle mounting platform 44 about
mounting platform tilt axis 52 and relative to legs 48 and 50. In
this manner, the angle of the baffles may be adjusted to account
for the height of a golfer and the length of the club by rotating
platform 44 and thus the baffles such that the true width of the
upper area of the baffles is visible to the golfer.
[0038] In use, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to monitor head
position while executing a full swing with a golf club, golfer 22
may take his normal stance with respect to the golf ball. System 20
may be placed on the ground on the far side of the golf ball (or
imaginary golf ball) and in a position such that any head movement
toward the target would signal the golfer that he has done so by
means of light (i.e. red or another color) reflected by baffle 30.
Additionally, if, while during the back swing the golfer's head
moves away from the target and past the limit preset into system
20, the golfer would be signaled that he has done so by means of
light (i.e. yellow or another color) reflected by baffle 32. Yet
further, if the golfer's head bobs or lunges during address or
during the golf swing, baffles 36, 38 may reflect light (i.e. red,
yellow, green or another color) to signal that the golfer has
bobbed or lunged his/her head. No-sway system 20 thus allows for
monitoring of head movement throughout a golf swing and for ready
identification of the type of head movement which is occurring for
an improved golf swing.
[0039] As readily evident to those skilled in the art, various
modifications may be made to no-sway system 20 without departing
from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the
angles of the baffles may be set at approximately 82.degree.
relative to the baffle base (and mounting platform), the angles may
be changed as needed for further optimization of reflected light.
While the baffles may be magnetically attached to the mounting
platform, and magnetic colored reflective tape may be attached to
the baffles, other means of removable and slidable attachment for
the baffles and magnetic tape may be used. Such means may include
removable adhesive means, as well as slots, guides or other such
means provided in the mounting platform for enabling removable and
slidable movement of the baffles and/or the reflective tape. Yet
further, as readily evident to those skilled in the art, the
various components of no-sway system 20 may be cast or stamped from
metal. The configuration of the baffles may also be changed so long
as the baffles function to reflect light toward a user's eyes when
the user's head moves outside a preset range, as discussed in
detail above.
[0040] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and
modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *